Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great served as King of the West Saxons from 871 to 886 and as King of the Anglo-Saxons from 886 until his death. He was the youngest son of King Æthelwulf and Osburh. Before him, his three brothers Æthelbald, Æthelberht, and Æthelred ruled successively. Alfred’s reign was marked by significant administrative and military reforms that brought lasting changes to England. He successfully defended his kingdom against Viking invasions, securing a decisive victory at the Battle of Edington in 878 and subsequently dividing England between the Anglo-Saxon territory and the Viking-controlled Danelaw.

His policies promoted education, proposing primary education in English, and he advanced the legal and military systems, enhancing the quality of life for his people. Alfred is known for his scholarly pursuits and for fostering a more learned society. He is the only English monarch to be accorded the epithet ‘the Great,’ a title given to him in the 16th century.